If you are looking for a short trip in the Ozarks, you might want to consider a trip to the Nathan Boone historical homestead site in Ash Grove, Missouri. We made a trip out there this afternoon. It was just a perfect day for a small ride.
Nathan Boone was the youngest child of the famous Daniel Boone, who spent a good deal of his later life in Missouri. He ran a famous salt producing company with his brother, called Booneslick. It is closer to Boonville, Mo., not far from Arrow Rock. He also was a surveyor, and helped to lay out a lot of the railroads in the area. He served in the first Constitutional Convention of Missouri, and was a capable officer with the 1st Dragoons. He had quite the eclectic life.
The home was built in 1837 by Boone, his sons, and some of his slaves. His wife Olive was also part of that group. In its day, it was a 732 acre farm. Nathan and Olive are still buried there to this day.
Guided tours, which take about an hour, are available. They cost $4 per adult. You can wander the property though. There are trails to hike, and some nice picnic areas. Ash Grove is about a 30 minute drive north of Springfield, MO on Hwy 160. The address is 7850 N. State Hwy V., Ash Grove, MO 65604. (417) 751-3266. You will make a turn by Clair’s C Market, to go out to the site. Stop and say hi to Mr. Clair, and get your goodies for the trip. It is a local landmark, and the friendliest C Store you will ever visit.
We’ll talk again soon,
Raymond C. Province
The Celtic Ozarkian
